Drink-drive campaign nets culprits

Published:16:48Thursday 20 December 2012

POLICE across the region have caught five drunk drivers in the first two weeks of their annual festive season campaign on the roads.

About 3.40am on December 12, a 62-year-old male was arrested after colliding with a parked car near Castle Douglas. He provided a breath sample of nearly three times the legal limit and was held in custody for court on December 13 charged with drink driving and careless driving. He was fined £500 and disqualified for 30 months.

This year’s region’s figures are compared with eight last year.

Deputy Chief Constable Tom Ewing, who is the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland lead officer on drink driving, said: “For a second week in our national campaign I have to report that dozens of drivers across Scotland have failed to heed the message about drink or drug driving.

“I have made it quite clear that every effort will be made by police officers and our partners in law enforcement to end this scourge.

“It is illegal, it is dangerous and it could be fatal.

“It is worth noting that there is a small decrease in the numbers compared to last year but that it no cause for celebration – the numbers are still unacceptable.

“People are ever more willing to report drink and drug drivers to the police and I would urge others to follow their example.

“To do so, people only have to contact their local office, dial 999 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

“We can tackle drink or drug driving and make our roads safer – but we have to do it together.”